“The Stop & Go Market (which has an awesome beer selection, by the way) at Sherman Ave and Columbia Rd in Park View/Columbia Heights has been going through some colorful renovations lately. It appears that it is now a UPS Access Point where you can “conveniently pick up and drop of packages.” I’m not sure if they charge a fee, but this might be a good alternative to having packages delivered to, and then stolen from, your front door.”

Today Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez of Cuba once again raises the Cuban flag over the country’s venerable embassy building at 2630 16th Street NW, in the Meridian Hill neighborhood that was once home to many of the city’s finest embassies. Close by are the former Italian, Mexican, and Spanish embassies as well as the current embassies of Poland and Lithuania. For decades the building has quietly served as the Cuban Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy, but before that it had a long social career, hosting many of the city’s classiest balls and receptions.

Photo by the author.

The Republic of Cuba had a diplomatic outpost in Washington even before the country existed as an independent nation. In the 1890s, as Cubans mounted their war for independence from Spain, Gonzalo de Quesada (1868-1915) established a legation at the fashionable Raleigh Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue. A graduate of Columbia University, Quesada had met revolutionary hero José Martí in New York at a rally of Cuban exiles; he quickly became an important figure in the struggle for independence. The movement had the sympathy of many Americans, and on President William McKinley’s inauguration day in March 1897, its flag flew proudly atop the Raleigh. “All sympathizers with the struggling patriots could not suppress a yell of patriotism as they observed the flag of the little would-be republic floating as proudly to the breeze as that of the big, powerful country the strong protection of which is sought,” wrote The Evening Star. (more…)

“The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a person of interest in connection with a Destruction of Property/Sounds of Gunshots offense, which occurred on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at approximately 11:29 am, in the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, Northwest.

Anyone who has information regarding this case should call police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, information may be submitted to the TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any crime committed in the District of Columbia.”

Ed. Note: A reader adds:

“I love how they call it destruction of property/sounds of gunshots….”

“Looks like Flip It is finally going to open in Columbia Heights, but apparently at the expense of its Rhode Island Ave. location. Our server just told us they’re closing this location in the next couple days and moving, citing that business during the week was never very good. Pretty big blow to those of us with high hopes for Rhode Island Ave.”

Back in January 2012 I wondered why Pho 14 didn’t have a liquor license. Now they’re applying for one – the application lists hours for consumption as Sunday through Wednesday 11am – 9:30 pm and Thursday through Saturday 11 am – 10 pm.

UPDATE: Whoa – literally just got the following email – gotta be the same dog right?

“This morning I found a dog that was clearly someone’s pet. I have put it on my Facebook page but was wondering if you could put a pic on your blog as well? He was apparently lost yesterday and a kid tied him to a fence. This morning while walking my dogs between 13th and 14th NW on Kenyon Street he ran up to meet us. The cops had been called earlier because he was tied up and barking. I started to knock on doors to see if he belonged to someone but to no avail. I waited for an hour with the police for animal control to come but they were called out to another call and planned to just leave him. Because it was so hot I brought the little guy home with me and he is here until the humane society or someone can take him. He has been well taken care of and is very well behaved so I know he was someone’s pet. I will attach a picture and would love to get the word out. I hate that he is lost because he is such a sweet dog.”